Well naturally having only 2 vitality does make him susceptible to wounding, but that's not really my point. Every card released by Decipher can be countered, even the strongest cards like
High King of the Noldor.
My concern is more that, for a mere 6 twilight, he is extremely dangerous, able to cause as much
devastation as a Cave Troll or
Uruk Vanguard, but much easier to get out and playable in multiples.
He will be strength 11 when mounted, which is higher than most towers companions can get to without pumps (Assuming you have
Wormtongue), and you may have strength boosts of your own. Also, while 2 vitality is low, the Free Peoples player may have to constantly snipe him with wounding to keep him off the table, which can be a drain on resources.
While Phallen's comparison to
Goblin Spearman is an apt one, I fear there are crucial difference between the two.
Goblin Spearman's vitality is only 1, which makes him much easier to pick off, his strength is only 8 with spear, which will lose most skirmishes without pumps, and
also has less wound prevention than
. Finally,
Goblin Spearman will never be fierce.
Goblin Spearman is too weak, but even if he had, for example, 2 or 3 extra strength, I feel the minion would be balanced (Especially in Towers, thanks to
Wormtongue)
In any case, these are just my thoughts on the matter. These are your cards, to do with as you deem fit. I like the alternate version of the raider too